The success vindicates the club's decision to bring in ex-Liverpool chief Rodgers, at the expense of former boss Ronny Deila.

It is the first time in three years that Celtic will be in among the top teams of Europe for the group stage draw, which takes place on Thursday.

And Rodgers praised the good work of major shareholder Dermot Desmond and chief executive Peter Lawwell, as the Scottish champions return to compete against Europe's elite.

Pride: Rodgers celebrates getting through (Photo: Daily Record)

Rodgers said: "I am immensely proud. I am so proud for the football club, firstly for Dermot, Peter and the board. It is great for them.

"They stuck their neck out in the summer and the club has a real positive feel to it at the moment and this was always, hopefully, going to keep that momentum going so it is a huge step for us.

"I am absolutely delighted for the players, the work they have put in, the mentality and honesty they show and they have got their rewards.

"I am delighted for my coaching staff and the team of people around us because they have had to worked very hard with not many days off, finding ways in which to improve the team in a short space of time and obviously the supporters.

"It is an incredible moment for them, they are going to be back in amongst Europe's elite and it is where Celtic belongs."

Celtic looked to have done the hard work with a 5-2 win at Parkhead last week, but struggled in Israel - And almost threw it all away.

Craig Gordon saved a penalty in the 15th minute from Maharan Radi, before substitute Ben Sahar headed the Israeli champions into the lead.

The rattled Hoops lost a second in the 48th minute when a mix-up between Saidy Janko and Gordon allowed Romania international Ovidiu Hoban the easiest of chances and Rodgers' men had to "tough it out".

Happy days: Rodgers and Kolo Toure celebrate (Photo: Daily Record)

(Photo: Daily Record)

He said: "You have to take into consideration the mentality of the players in the last couple of seasons where it has been so tough for them to go out at this stage.

"So there was probably a lot of nerves and tension in the game for them which is understandable.

"We have only been together a short period of time. We have made huge strides as a team and a club in every way and as you cans see we need a lot more work on the training field.

"But with that, improvements will come. Tuesday night was really about getting through and all the plaudits go to the players for getting through."